Government announce a Three Tiered System of COVID Alert Levels
On the 12th October , the Prime Minister announced how the government will further simplify and standardise local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England.
He set out how this new approach will be simpler and standardised, and thanked local leaders who have engaged with the government over the weekend.
The “medium” alert level – which will cover most of the country – will consist of the current national measures, which came into force on 25 September. This includes the Rule of Six, and the closure of hospitality at 10pm.
The “high” alert level will reflect many current local interventions, but there will now be consistency across the country.
This primarily aims to reduce household to household transmission by preventing all mixing between households or support bubbles indoors. The Rule of Six will apply in outdoor spaces, including private gardens. Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into the “high” alert level.
Property Management preparations for Autumn
We are into the final three months of 2020 and property managers are preparing for the change in weather, being sure that landlords obligations are adhered to and that tenants’ expectations are met.As the Government announce their three tier contingency plan, some parts of the UK will be under local restrictions, therefore it is important to ensure that Covid-19 Protocols are correctly adhered to when access is required for any maintenance or repairing issue that is required.
The following tips may be useful:-
1. The Heating System. A home does not feel homely when it’s cold outside, so this is the right time to ensure that boilers are serviced and that the radiators which will have been switched off for months, are working properly. Thermostats should be set to keep pipes warm and radiators that are not working effectively, may need bleeding.
As the smell of chimney smoke lingers in the evening air, be sure that wood burners and live fires are swept regularly. The reason for this increased frequency is that creosote is is given off by burning wood, which then attaches itself to the inside of the chimney. These deposits are highly flammable, and therefore need to be removed.
For a wood burner or coal fire remember that a fire guard is a requirement.
New Guidance for Landlords and Tenants
This morning at 0.20 the Government announced new non-statutory for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors. As the Courts re-open today this guidance may have been issued to clarify the position on certain key points relating to the landlord - tenant relationship:-
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Measures relating to notices seeking possession as amended by the Coronavirus Act 2020
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Health and safety obligations, repairs and inspections in the context of coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance is advisory and informs you about recent changes to the law. All guidance is subject to frequent updates and should be checked regularly for currency.
We urge all landlords and tenants to abide by the latest government guidance on COVID-19.
The guidance in this document applies to England only. Some of the measures referred to also apply in Wales. You can find guidance from the Welsh Government.
You can find guidance from the Scottish Government on these matters.
Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation
Helping the public stay Gas Safe
As we celebrate the tenth year of Gas Safety Week, organisations from across the UK are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
This year, Gas Safety Week is addressing a whole range of gas safety matters with a focus on community safety in these difficult times - from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work though lack of awareness.
Susie Crolla, at GLM said: “We are immensely proud to support the continued work that has been carried out by the Gas Safe Register. It has been an honour to witness the level of professionalism and dedication Gas Safe continues to execute .”
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help share important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. It’s vital in these uncertain times to look out for the safety of our local communities and ensure people always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances at their home. It’s how we can all work together to stay gas safe.’